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This latest defeat marks a further embarrassing chapter in a difficult season for West Ham, amplifying major questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands team to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Display Secures Historic Victory

Fewer than the first four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to demonstrate of finding much-needed confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy could be felt equally on the field and in the stands, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a team woefully out of form and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's clearest chance for a win to date. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham were generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent spot-kick, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the game even with dominating possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's woes deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, spun beautifully, cut in from the left, and fired a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a two change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary spark.

A lingering feeling of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or play out patiently. But, they had no need to worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's own failings became painfully obvious as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, the Hammers have cause to be afraid.